2011 Hoophall Classic

The long trip from Southern California was worth it for Taft as the five-time state champion held off a pesky bunch from Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Senior center Kevin Johnson, who's being recruited heavily by San Diego State, said the Toreadors used their size to their advantage.

"We played real good," the 6-foot-10, 260-pound Johnson said. "We came out and did what we needed to do."

Johnson sure did what he needed to do, with 26 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks. He said it was his best game of the season.

Mount Vernon fell behind by double digits in the first quarter and never recovered.

"They played harder than us," Mount Vernon senior Jabarie Hinds said. "We didn't make plays and we had turnovers."

Mount Vernon twice fought back, but Taft, of Woodland Hills, Calif., held them off both times.

Hinds was impressive for Mount Vernon, scoring 18 points and making six steals. The performance was particularly noteworthy considering Hinds hurt his right ankle while at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Friday. Coach Bob Cimmino said he wasn't sure if Hinds would be able to play in the Hoophall game.

"I tweaked my ankle but it didn't bother me," said Hinds, who will play for West Virginia next season.